Organic Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract
Also known as: Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract, CBD-rich hemp extract, hemp phytocomplex, Cannabis sativa L. (Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract)
Overview
Organic Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract is a botanical extract derived from the *Cannabis sativa* L. plant. It contains a range of naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, with cannabidiol (CBD) being the primary active compound. Unlike full-spectrum extracts, broad-spectrum extracts are processed to remove or reduce tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to negligible levels, ensuring no psychoactive effects. This extract is primarily used for its potential neurobehavioral support, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. While CBD and other cannabinoids are extensively studied, direct randomized controlled trial (RCT) data specifically for broad-spectrum extracts is still developing, with much of the evidence extrapolated from purified CBD studies.
Benefits
The most robust evidence for broad spectrum hemp extract, primarily due to its CBD content, is in the reduction of seizures in refractory epilepsy syndromes like Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses support significant seizure frequency reduction, with FDA-approved CBD drugs demonstrating clinical efficacy and acceptable safety profiles. A meta-analysis of CBD-rich cannabis extracts also showed clinical benefits in epilepsy. In animal models, broad spectrum hemp extract has demonstrated antioxidant effects, reducing oxidative stress biomarkers and suggesting neuroprotective potential. While potential anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects are suggested, high-quality clinical evidence for these indications is mixed or limited. Pediatric epilepsy patients are the most clearly benefiting population, with other uses requiring more robust RCT data. For epilepsy, the effect sizes are clinically meaningful, whereas for other indications, they tend to be smaller or inconsistent.
How it works
Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract primarily exerts its effects by modulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD, the main component, interacts with both cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and non-cannabinoid receptors such as TRPV1 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. It acts as a negative allosteric modulator of CB1 receptors and an agonist of TRPV1. CBD also influences the activity of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme, which is responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids, thereby increasing their levels in the body. This modulation of the ECS contributes to its effects on neurotransmission, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuroprotection. The oral bioavailability of CBD is relatively low (approximately 6-19%) but can be enhanced by formulation, such as being dissolved in lipid carriers like MCT oil.
Side effects
Organic Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract and its primary component, CBD, are generally well-tolerated in clinical trials and observational studies. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, include fatigue, diarrhea, changes in appetite or weight, and sedation. Less common side effects (1-5%) may include elevated liver enzymes, somnolence, and dizziness. Rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, can include allergic reactions and, in very rare instances, drug-induced liver injury. CBD can interact with drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, such as warfarin and certain antiepileptics, due to its inhibitory effects on these enzymes. Therefore, caution is advised for patients with liver disease or those on interacting medications. The safety of broad spectrum hemp extract during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established, though its use in pediatric epilepsy is established under medical supervision.
Dosage
For the treatment of epilepsy, purified CBD has been studied at doses ranging from 10 to 20 mg/kg/day in clinical trials, typically administered in divided doses twice daily. For general wellness or other potential benefits, lower doses are commonly used, often in the range of 10-50 mg per day, though these dosages are not as well standardized or clinically validated. The maximum safe dose observed in epilepsy trials is up to 20 mg/kg/day, and higher doses should only be used under strict medical supervision. Timing considerations are less critical for general use compared to epilepsy. Oil-based formulations, often delivered in MCT oil, are common for broad spectrum extracts and can improve bioavailability. Oral absorption of CBD is enhanced when taken with fatty meals.
FAQs
Does broad spectrum hemp extract cause psychoactive effects?
No, broad spectrum hemp extract contains negligible levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for psychoactive effects, and therefore does not cause intoxication or a 'high'.
Is it safe to use broad spectrum hemp extract daily?
Generally, daily use is considered safe, but it's advisable to monitor for any side effects and be aware of potential drug interactions, especially if you are taking other medications.
How soon can I expect to feel the effects of broad spectrum hemp extract?
For conditions like epilepsy, benefits may take weeks to months to become apparent. For other potential effects, such as antioxidant or neurobehavioral benefits, most data comes from preclinical studies, and the onset in humans is not well-established.
Is broad spectrum hemp extract legal?
Broad spectrum hemp extracts containing less than 0.3% THC are legal in many jurisdictions, particularly in the United States under federal law. However, legality can vary by state and country, so it's important to check local regulations.
Research Sources
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-024-01847-w – This meta-analysis of 16 RCTs in healthy adults investigated the acute effects of CBD on performance. It found a small but significant impairment in subjective sedation, but no objective impairment in performance measures. The study highlights the need for further research on CBD's acute effects and acknowledges heterogeneity in measures across studies.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2018.00759/full – This meta-analysis, including both observational studies and RCTs, evaluated CBD-rich cannabis extracts in 670 epilepsy patients. It concluded that CBD-rich extracts reduce seizure frequency and have an acceptable safety profile. The study noted heterogeneity in extract composition and study designs as limitations, suggesting a moderate quality of evidence.
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2338251 – This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids for various medical conditions. It found that cannabinoids modestly improve chronic pain and spasticity, and confirmed the benefit in epilepsy. The review, conducted in a Cochrane-style, highlighted the risk of bias and heterogeneity in many included studies, indicating a high-quality assessment of the existing evidence.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10276760/ – This preclinical RCT in rats investigated the antioxidant effects of broad spectrum hemp extract over 28 days. The study found that the extract reduced oxidative stress biomarkers and led to improvements in neurobehavioral parameters. While providing valuable hypothesis-generating evidence, the findings are from an animal model and may not directly translate to humans.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7891210/ – This narrative review discusses hemp as a food and supplement, highlighting the good safety and nutritional profile of hemp extracts. It also notes the FDA approval of CBD for epilepsy. As a narrative review, it provides a comprehensive overview but does not present primary research or a systematic analysis of evidence.
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